New Orleans, September 24, 2025
This weekend in New Orleans promises a vibrant mix of festivals and live music, perfect for families and tourists alike. With events like the NOLAxNOLA Festival and BlackAmericana Fest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Ideal weather adds to the excitement, making it the perfect time to explore the city and experience its cultural offerings. Local tips for transportation and accessibility to venues promise a fun and festive atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable weekend filled with local sound and vibrant arts.
Big Weekend Alert: New Orleans Packed with Festivals, Music, and Sunshine (Sept 27–28, 2025)
If you live in New Orleans or you’re plotting a weekend trip, clear the calendar. This coming weekend is stacked with family-friendly festivals, live music, and enough local color to make your neighbors jealous. The weather’s playing nice too — warm sun both days — so it’s the perfect time to get outside, catch some sounds, and soak up the city. Here’s the lowdown from someone who knows the streets, the shortcuts, and the best places to grab a cold drink after a long set.
NOLAxNOLA Festival
This citywide celebration runs September 25 through October 5 and brings a ton of live music into venues across town. Think intimate club shows, theater gigs, and brass-band blowouts. Highlights around the weekend to watch for: a kickoff awards show earlier in the festival, a symphonic bounce-crossover performance with a major local orchestra, and a classic brass-band night at a famed Uptown spot on Sunday. The festival is a great way to hop from spot to spot and sample the many flavors of New Orleans music.
BlackAmericana Fest (The Broadside)
Dates: September 26–27 | Tickets: $37 plus fees | Age: All ages welcome
This two-day showcase focuses on Black artists working in Americana, country, and folk. It’s family-friendly and a terrific chance to hear storytellers and roots players in an intimate setting. If you’ve got kids who like guitar or you just want a quieter festival day, Saturday (the 27th) is solid festival fare with a mix of performances that feel personal, not crowded.
International Arts Festival NOLA
Dates: September 25–28 | Venues include Congo Square, the Orpheum, and the Fillmore
World music, visual art, and interactive cultural programming. This festival blends global performers with neighborhood energy. Congo Square events are great for families and first-timers: open-air, accessible, and full of color. Theater venues host headline sets if you want a cooler, air-conditioned experience between outdoor activities.
New Orleans Yoga Festival
Dates: September 25–28 | Venues: Republic NOLA and Arora NOLA
Not just mats and downward dogs — expect sound-immersive sessions, community gatherings, and classes suitable for every level. If you want to kickstart the weekend with movement and calm before hitting the music, this festival is a relaxed, restorative option.
Weekend Performance Highlight
Sunday night brings a classic brass-band show that’s perfect for ending the weekend with a high-energy local set. The brass-band scene loves the crowds, the dancing, and the late-night vibe — ideal if you want to stay out and hear that big, punchy New Orleans sound.
Weather Snapshot
Saturday, Sept 27: Plenty of sun. High near 87°F (31°C), low around 71°F (21°C).
Sunday, Sept 28: Sunshine with some clouds. High near 90°F (32°C), low about 69°F (21°C).
Bottom line: it’s hot, sunny, and festival-perfect. Bring sun protection, stay hydrated, and plan a cool-down stop indoors if you’ll be out for long stretches.
Local Tips — What to Know Before You Go
- Transport: Streetcars run on main routes but expect extra foot traffic and occasional road closures near big venues. Rideshares and bikes are useful for cross-town hops.
- Timing: Arrive early for outdoor stages and family areas. Indoor shows often start on time; doors can close if a venue fills up.
- Tickets: Buy ahead for headliner nights and theater shows. Some daytime outdoor events have walk-up access, but check each festival’s ticket policies.
- Family-Friendly Picks: Congo Square events and BlackAmericana’s daytime sets are reliably family-friendly. Look for all-ages notes on tickets.
- What to Pack: Sunscreen, refillable water bottle, comfy shoes, a light poncho just in case, cash for smaller vendors, and a photocopy/photo of your ticket on your phone.
Final Word
New Orleans is dialing up the culture this weekend: music for every taste, world-class art, and a yoga festival to reset. The weather’s cooperating, and venues across the city are ready to show off. Whether you’re out with the kids, rolling with friends, or solo and hungry for new sounds, this weekend has something that’ll stick with you long after the last encore.
FAQ
Q: Are these festivals family-friendly?
A: Many events are family-friendly, especially outdoor programming at Congo Square and daytime sets at BlackAmericana. Check each event’s age policy before buying tickets.
Q: Do I need tickets for everything?
A: Not always. Some outdoor events and community activities offer walk-up access; theater shows and headline concerts usually require tickets. Buy early for guaranteed entry.
Q: What’s the weather like and how should I prepare?
A: Expect warm, sunny days (highs upper 80s to 90°F). Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat. Plan for brief indoor breaks to cool off.
Q: How do I get around between venues?
A: Streetcars and buses cover major corridors, but rideshares, biking, and walking are often faster for short hops. Allow extra time for festival traffic.
Q: Is parking available near festival venues?
A: Parking exists but can be limited. Use public transit or rideshare when possible, and arrive early to secure spots near popular venues.
Quick Reference: Weekend Event Snapshot
| Event | Dates | Venue(s) | Family-Friendly | Cost | Weekend Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOLAxNOLA Festival | Sep 25–Oct 5 | Multiple city venues | Yes (varies by show) | Varies by show | Citywide music celebration; many pop-up shows |
| BlackAmericana Fest | Sep 26–27 | The Broadside | Yes (all ages) | $37 + fees | Roots and Americana; great daytime vibe |
| International Arts Festival NOLA | Sep 25–28 | Congo Square, Orpheum, Fillmore | Yes | Varies | Global music and art; outdoor activities |
| New Orleans Yoga Festival | Sep 25–28 | Republic NOLA, Arora NOLA | Yes | Varies | Classes, sound immersions, community events |
| Brass Band Night | Sep 28 (Sunday) | Local club/theater | Family-friendly (depends) | Varies | High-energy Sunday closer; expect dancing |
See you out there — stay loud, stay cool, and bring your dancing shoes.
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Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
